The Pack I LOVE….

 

 

I’ll cut to the chase — the Arc’Teryx Mantis 26 is the pack I LOVE now.  Here it is:

Now, I’ll tell you why I love it so much…

 

For the past four or five years, I’ve used the same daypack as my regular sailing bag.  I bought it when it was the special deal at the Annapolis Boat show.  It’s a blue and gold Henri Lloyd pack that has been very useful over the years, and I’m sure I got my money’s worth out of the $20 purchase price.  However, it’s falling to pieces and the DWR (Durable Water Repellency) is worn off.  This is where I’m starting from:

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It’s a typical pack with small, medium, and large pockets.  Pencils, Sharpies, and chapstick stayed in the small pocket.  Gloves, waterproof tablets, and tape stayed in the medium pocket.  Most of my gear went in the large pocket.  There are two water bottle pockets on the side that nicely held sunblock.  But, my favorite, and most convenient pocket is the CD pocket on the back.  That’s where I kept my wallet, pony tail holders, deodorant, and passport when travelling overseas.  No wonder that pocket’s actually shredding!

 

On days where I need less gear or storage, I will use a light weight Musto pack.  Again, I got that one on special at the Annapolis boat show — pretty sure that I spent $18 for that splurge.  It has pockets pretty similar to the pack above; but no CD pocket and only one water bottle pocket.  If I need less, I will just use a caribiner to keep my keys & flip flops in check.

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So, when I decided it was time for a new pack; I knew I wanted something that had lots of multiple sized pockets with easy access.  I really like having the water bottle pockets too.  I’ll cut to the chase, The pack I LOVE now is the Arc’Teryx Mantis 26.  Here it is, if you want to check it out for yourself:

I’m really impressed with all of the details and features that went into the design.  There are two medium sized pockets.  Each one has a zipper that runs up the side of the pack (one pocket can be accessed from each side).  There’s a good sized small pocket on the top front of the pack.  It has dividers for pens / pencils, wallet, and a clip for keys.  The main pocket of the pack is bigger than it looks.  There’s a nice elastic divider and another key clip in there too.  Water bottle pockets are on each sides.  The shoulder straps are the most natural fit, cushioned, and the best design I’ve ever seen to fit my body.  There are also straps that can be clipped for waist and chest support.

 

I am SO excited that I chose this pack — can’t wait to use it more this season and for years to come!